With the Custom Instructions feature, you can better introduce yourself to ChatGPT and save yourself the trouble of typing the same prompts each time. Here, we will explain everything you need to know about the ChatGPT custom instructions feature.
What are Custom Instructions?
On July 20, 2023, ChatGPT announced a new feature called “ChatGPT Instructions” through a blog post.
With Custom Instructions, you can set your preferences, and ChatGPT will remember them for all future conversations. This means you won’t have to repeat the same thing to ChatGPT every time you interact with it.
Also Read: ChatGPT Code Interpreter Feature
For example, let’s assume you use ChatGPT for language learning purposes and want it to respond in Japanese each time. Previously, you had to specify at the end of each prompt that you wanted a Japanese response. Now, thanks to custom instructions, you can tell it once that you prefer responses in Japanese, and it will start providing Japanese responses in all your conversations. This will save you time and increase your efficiency.
ChatGPT Instructions feature is available to all ChatGPT members. Therefore, you can use this feature even if you are not a ChatGPT Plus member.
How to use Custom Instructions feature in ChatGPT?
You can use the custom instructions feature both on your mobile device and in your browser.
In Browser
To use this feature via a browser, after logging into ChatGPT, click on your account at the bottom left of the screen. Then, from the window that opens, you should press the Custom Instructions button.
In Mobile Application
You can use the Custom Instructions feature in the ChatGPT mobile application.
To do this, tap the three-dot icon at the top right of the screen, then press the Settings button. From the window that appears, tap the Custom Instructions button.
In the window that appears, you are asked to answer the following questions:
- What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?
- How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
In the first question, you can introduce yourself to ChatGPT in a way that allows it to better understand you, with a limit of 1500 characters. This will enable ChatGPT to provide more customized responses based on your input.
For the second question, within 1500 characters, you can specify how you would like ChatGPT to respond. For instance, you can request shorter and clearer answers or ask for responses in a different language.
Examples of Using ChatGPT with Custom Instructions
Below are some examples of how you can use Custom Instructions. Of course, you are not limited to these; you can use this feature for any other purposes that come to mind.
Language Translation
I requested ChatGPT to provide responses in Japanese using the “Custom Instructions” feature. Thanks to this, ChatGPT started writing its responses in Japanese every time I speak without me needing to mention the language preference.
Adjusting ChatGPT to your writing style or occupation.
When working on any task and using ChatGPT for a specific purpose, you can get better and higher-quality responses by introducing yourself and communicating how you’d like to use ChatGPT through the Custom Instruction feature.
For example, you can say to ChatGPT: “I work on science education programs for third-grade students, and I would like you to provide responses in a table format, outlining the pros and cons of each option.”
Code Generation
If you are using ChatGPT to assist you in your coding and development processes, you can use Custom Instructions to communicate the programming language you are using and how you’d like ChatGPT to handle code requests. For example, you can instruct ChatGPT as follows:
When requesting code, please provide it in [insert programming language, e.g., Python]. If possible, include comments to explain the logic. Additionally, please prioritize the most efficient solution while also ensuring readability and maintainability.
This way, you can receive code solutions customized to your preferred programming language.
Preparing Meals
With Custom Instructions, you can provide more personalized information to ChatGPT for creating suitable daily meal plans.
For instance, you can let ChatGPT know that you are a bodybuilder, provide your current weight, and specify your daily protein requirement in grams.
This way, you can request meals that take these factors into consideration when preparing your customized meal plans.
Conclusion
If ChatGPT knows you better, it will provide more accurate responses.
Also Read: ChatGPT Best Practices
Custom instructions enable ChatGPT to understand you better, allowing you to receive answers in your desired format without having to repeat the same things over and over again.